The non-coding skills you need to get a job in tech

For job applicants wanting to enter the tech field, some skills required for this work are obvious. For web developers, depending on your desired focus, you’ll need to know front end or full stack web development, for example.

But many coding and non-coding based roles in the tech industry require other skills that many of us wouldn’t immediately consider technical. In fact, these skills might help you stand out among similarly qualified applicants.

Here’s a list of a few:

1. Problem Solving and Critical Thinking: Coding is not just about creating - it’s also, often times, about solving a problem. Web developers often use critical thinking to fix bugs in their code, or while checking over others’ code. Perseverance and patience are key to overcoming these challenges in a role, and to success in thriving in a technical role.
   
   
2. Collaborating and Communicating with Others: Many roles in the tech industry rely on good collaboration and communication with others in order to succeed. In fact, most roles in job settings require some level of this! In the tech industry, you’ll likely be working with a team to create a product or solve a problem - this requires clear communication around key issues, solutions, and responsibilities. Coding bootcamps such as Nucamp set students up for success with once-weekly in-person workshops that encourage students to collaborate alongside their peers and instructors. 
   
   
3. Leadership: Many people might think this just comes down to managerial experience; it can, but leadership is more than a job title. Leadership means that, regardless of your role in a company, you’re able to make assertive decisions when needed, and that you can manage priorities with others. It can also mean delegating responsibilities, and ownership of accountability when difficult situations arise. Potential hires that possess these skills - with concrete examples to show them - can set themselves apart from other applicants as key team members to have in tough times.
   
   
4. Work Ethic: Motivation and work ethic are also key things that employers look for. Even if working with a supervisor or among other team members, many companies expect some level of self-management and motivation to complete tasks or projects. The more initiative you can take to do this on your own, the more employers know they can trust you to get the job done. Coding bootcamp grads are especially well-prepared for this, as many complete their coursework remotely alongside competing priorities, such as another job or a family. 
   
   
5. Client Relationship Management: Depending on the size of a company - and your role - you may have varying amounts of interaction with clients and customers. If you are a technical project or account manager, you will likely do this often. If you are a web developer, you may do this less depending on the size of your team. Regardless of your role, the company you’re working with is trying to deliver a product or service to a customer. Staying positive with relationship management - such as dealing with a demanding client, or one with ever-changing priorities - is key. Even if you’re not in a role that deals directly with customers, you’ll likely work alongside someone who is. Employers value applicants who can navigate these challenges strategically and positively.
   
   
6. Adaptivity: We all know that technology is not static; it’s ever-changing. Employers, especially in the tech industry, value employees who can be adaptive to changing priorities and technologies. The more flexible you can be with shifting focus on a project, or learning a new skill - the better. Coding bootcamp grads are usually quite experienced with this, because attending bootcamp itself is a form of adaptation - students voluntarily choose to continue their education or shift focus from a previous career to learn code. These skills set you up for success in an industry that can change quickly.
   
   
7. Portfolio Building: So you’ve completed all of the hard work for your coding bootcamp course - now what? It’s time to set up your portfolio site! Coding bootcamps such as Nucamp actually have this built into the course schedule so that you can showcase projects you’re working on along the way. A portfolio site is key to showing - rather than telling - a potential employer what your experience is. A portfolio site with sleek design, concise content, and strategic examples can set your resume apart from others. This skill set continues to be important even after you leave bootcamp; to show customers and clients why they should hire you or purchase your product, you’ll need to show them why your previous experience sets you apart from your competitors.

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